Passive Coolant Management for Tokamak Divertor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional divertor cooling arrangements in tokamaks face challenges due to the unpredictable movement of the strike point, leading to uneven heat flux distribution and inefficient coolant distribution, which results in overheating or undercooling of certain regions.
Innovation Solution
A cooling management system comprising a plurality of coolant unit groups and a valve arrangement that adjusts coolant flow rates based on temperature, allowing for more optimal cooling configurations by controlling the flow rate of coolant to each group of coolant units, either in series or parallel, using active or passive valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coolant is provided to each cooling channel at the flow rate needed to cool the metal temperatures at the maximum heat flux location, then overheating is prevented, but pumping power is excessive and cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the divertor into multiple cooling channels with different flow rates based on local heat flux conditions. The first cooling channel receives coolant at a first flow rate while the second cooling channel receives coolant at a second flow rate that is different from the first, allowing each region to be cooled according to its specific thermal requirements rather than using a uniform high flow rate throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the coolant flow rate parameter across different cooling channels to match the spatial distribution of heat flux. By adjusting the flow rate parameter locally rather than maintaining a constant high flow rate, the system achieves adequate cooling while significantly reducing the total pumping power required
2Adaptability or versatility
If the strike point position is unknown and varies, then heat flux distribution becomes unpredictable, but uniform coolant distribution cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into multiple independent cooling channels, each capable of receiving different flow rates. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying heat flux patterns caused by strike point movement by adjusting individual channel flow rates rather than requiring a complete redesign for each condition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic coolant distribution system where flow rates to different cooling channels can be varied based on operating conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to respond to strike point variations and maintain optimal cooling efficiency across different operational scenarios
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system effectively evens out temperature profiles across the divertor by adjusting coolant flow rates in response to changes in the strike point, reducing overheating and undercooling, thereby improving cooling efficiency and reducing pumping power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a valve arrangement operable to control a flow rate of coolant from the coolant source line to each of the coolant unit groups dependent on the temperature at that coolant unit group
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling management system for a plasma-facing assembly in a magnetic confinement plasma chamber, the cooling management system comprising: a plurality of coolant unit groups, each configured to provide cooling to a respective part of the plasma-facing assembly and being fluidly connected to a coolant source line; and a valve arrangement operable to control a flow rate of coolant from the coolant source line to each of the coolant unit groups dependent on the temperature at that coolant unit group.